https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 09 May 2026 04:22:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179857 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:48:23 +0000 duckduckkristen 179857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely agree with mentioning you are a nurse. DH is a doctor and I found that since the nurses and midwife didn't know that (DH doesn't like to pull the Dr card) they kind of treated him like an idiot when in reality he had delivered babies before so he knew what was going on! Next time we will definitely make that clear. </p> <p>I found that my birth plan went totally out the window once I got to the hospital. We never even showed the plan to the hospital staff since my labor went so fast and a lot of the things I had in my plan I wound up not caring so much about once I was in all that pain and consumed with so many emotions. My husband had our plan memorized though so he was able to tell the staff what we wanted and make sure I got the birth I wanted. </p> <p>My original birth plan was a lot like yours, but I managed to whittle it down to one page after discovering at my hospital tour that a lot of what I wanted was standard. Also, after I discussed the plan with my midwife, she assured me my plan was exactly what a typical midwife birth looks like and she does most of the stuff whether women have a birth plan or not. Here's what my final one looked like. I put what was most important to me in bold too...</p> <p>    This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the  birth of our baby. It is not intended to be a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that  barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options. Thank you.  </p> <p>First Stage (Labor):</p> <p> * Please do not offer me pain medications, I will ask for them if I want them<br /> * Clear fluids instead of IV<br />    * Maintain mobility (Walking, rocking, up to bathroom, etc.)<br />    * Intermittent Monitoring<br />    * Relaxation techniques (breathing, focusing, etc.)<br />    * Positioning as desired<br /> * Shower, massage, birthing ball<br /> * Dim lights<br />    * Peace and quiet<br />    * Would prefer not to have students, residents etc.<br />    * Would prefer to keep vaginal exams to a minimum</p> <p>Induction/Augmentation:</p> <p>   * I would prefer to use natural methods to start labor.<br />    * I would prefer to walk to speed labor.</p> <p>Second Stage (Birth):</p> <p>   * Choice of position - side-lying, hands and knees, birth bar etc.<br /> * I’d like to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits as long as my baby and I are doing fine.<br /> * Keep room as quiet as possible<br />    * I would prefer no episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning.<br /> * Local Anesthesia (for repair)</p> <p>Baby Care:</p> <p>   * Breast feeding only, as soon as possible<br />    * No separation of mother and baby<br />    * NO pacifiers or formula<br /> * NO circumcision</p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179817 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:57:08 +0000 Shimmer 179817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: I truly appreciate all your help. I edited again, ha. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179805 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:44:21 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 179805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the breastfeeding and anesthesia sections could have the same kind of editing. Otherwise, you're really getting there :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179795 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:36:22 +0000 Shimmer 179795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: It does help, thanks! I edited down what I could and re-posted it above. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179778 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:19:31 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 179778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shimmer: I think we can get you to short and sweet with this so that you can share with everyone. Personally, I would have probably condensed the whole first paragraph into one or two sentences, and then combine things. For example, you say you prefer not to have an episiotomy (my birthplan said that too!) but then you also say you would prefer to tear than get one in a seperate line. That could be one simple line, "I prefer not to have an episiotomy and would rather tear unless episiotomy is medically necessary" Then you could delete almost everything else in that section except the part about the anesthesia. Does that help?</p> <p>Then you could do similar editing to the other sections. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179774 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:11:10 +0000 Shimmer 179774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: Just re-read your blog post regarding birth plans. I do want mine to be short, sweet, and to the point but then I worry that I missed something! I have discussed some of these items with my midwives (I go next week to see them again and will discuss things further) and I have made them aware that I have certain preferences but I'm super flexible given the circumstances. Do you think it would be wise to keep this plan to myself, my husband, my doula, and my midwives and convey a simpler plan to the hospital staff? If so, what should I include in the plan to the hospital staff?</p> <p>@Chastenet: Thanks! I did edit out some of the repetitive lines. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179766 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:59:48 +0000 Chastenet 179766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's complete and polite. I agree with the pp comments about repetitiveness, there are two or three lines that could probably be deleted, but otherwise, looks good to me :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179765 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:58:33 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 179765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shimmer: Feel free to show us the edits if you want :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179763 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:57:07 +0000 Shimmer 179763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: I definitely don't. :) I since I can't seem to be able to string a sentence together sometimes since being pregnant, I figured I'd ask everyone else for their opinion! I'll edit out where I repeat to be informed. Apparently I REALLY want to be informed, haha!</p> <p>@Honeybee: I have done a hospital tour, and they were kind of wishy-washy with standard procedure for moms of multiples. They've also recently changed some policies (i.e. I am not allowed to labor in a tub just because I'm having twins, I HAVE to deliver in the OR, etc.) and it seemed that some of the staff were still trying to get used to those things.</p> <p>@MamaMoose: I'll look back and see where I repeat about the breastfeeding (I'm already going to edit out where I repeat about the informed consent). Like I said to Mrs. Jacks, my brain doesn't let me string sentences together sometimes so when I read it, I don't see how repetitive I'm being! I'm going to go look for Mrs. Jacks' post as well! Thanks so much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179756 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:51:48 +0000 MamaMoose 179756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I won't be a big help since I plan on having a very short and sweet birth plan. I will say you seem repetitive in certain places (wanting to be informed before procedures are performed, wanting to breastfeed right away, etc). I would review for repeat info and cut it out. I know these things are importent to you but I would trust your medical professionals to respect your wishes after only reading it once. Also, Mrs. Jacks did a blog post on birth plans that may be very helpful to you as she is a mother and a medical professional. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179752 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:50:00 +0000 Honeybee 179752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you done a hospital tour? Some of these things may not be necessary to list in your birth plan if they are standard procedure at your hospital. For example, ours has standard procedures on immediate skin-to-skin contact (unless medically impossible), no visitors in the first hour, immediate breastfeeding, etc... and some of these things they ask during the check-in process (do you ant narcotics, do you want the boys circumcized, will you be breastfeeding, etc...). So that might be a good place to start on paring down your birth plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179749 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:48:45 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 179749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hope you don't think that I frown on birth plans :) I think it looks pretty good, but if you really want to make it shorter, there are a few things that you repeat several times that you could perhaps condense to make it more consice. You mention being informed about procedures and interventions several times for example and I think you are pretty clear from the get-go about that, so I don't know how many times you need to say it over.</p> <p>That being said, I come away with a very clear idea of what you are looking for in your experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-with-my-birth-plan-long-sorry#post-179744 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:37:05 +0000 Shimmer 179744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know that some medical personnel frown upon birth plans, but I feel like having what I'd PREFER written down will help during our birthing process, as I am a FTM and delivering twins. I am very acutely aware that things can change very quickly and that procedures I'm hoping not to have may very well happen. I am a nurse myself and I am trying to be realistic - my twin pregnancy is considered "high risk" so my twin delivery may be as well. </p> <p>I used a website to create my birth plan and it turned out a bit... long. I want it to cover everything, though, as a c-section is very possible and an epidural is a definite.</p> <p>Please let me know what you would change/omit to make this as clear and concise of a birth plan as possible! I don't want to be seen as "high maintenance" or a pain in the butt. Thanks!</p> <p>*Please note - I put in that I am a nurse because I have found in the past that some medical professionals are put off by being "surprised" by that fact.* </p> <p>We have created this birth plan in order to outline some of our preferences for birth. We understand the need to be flexible as there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments. Thank you! </p> <p>Please Note<br /> I am a nurse and would like all procedures to be discussed with my husband and myself prior to it occurring and to provide informed consent unless I am unable to speak for myself.</p> <p>Labor<br /> I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed or desired and wish to labor freely in the shower.<br /> I will remain hydrated by drinking moderate amounts of fluids (water, juice, ice chips).<br /> So I can stay as mobile as possible, I would prefer to have a heparin lock administered instead of an IV.<br /> I would like a quiet, soothing environment during labor, with dim lights and minimal interruptions.<br /> As long as the babies are doing well, I prefer that fetal monitoring be performed intermittently with an external monitor.<br /> Please allow me to vocalize as desired during labor and birth without comment or criticism.<br /> Please do not permit observers such as interns, students or unnecessary staff into the room without my permission.<br /> To preserve my privacy and dignity, I would prefer that everyone knock before entering.<br /> As I am a first-time mother, I would appreciate gentle guidance and reassurance through the labor and delivery process.</p> <p>Labor Augmentation/Induction<br /> I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary and would like to try alternative means of labor augmentation, like walking or nipple stimulation, before pitocin or artificial rupture of membranes is attempted.<br /> If pitocin is required, I would like to start and stay at the lowest effective dose. </p> <p>Anesthesia/Pain Medication<br /> If I ask for pain relief, please feel free to offer non-medical choices for coping.<br /> I have fears regarding the epidural and would like my husband present during its insertion.<br /> I would like to have the epidural catheter placed but refrain from using the medication for as long as possible, as I would like to walk and move during labor.<br /> I would like the epidural to wear off slightly as I approach full dilation and the pushing stage.</p> <p>Cesarean Section Delivery<br /> I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery, but understand if it is medically necessary. Please let me know what is occurring to require a c-section (i.e. fetal distress, etc.)<br /> I would like my husband Patrick to be present during the surgery from as early in the procedure as possible.<br /> Please explain the surgery to me as it happens.<br /> I would prefer epidural anesthesia, if possible, in order to remain conscious through the delivery and would accept general anesthesia in an emergency only.<br /> If possible, please do not strap my arms to the table during the procedure. </p> <p>Perineal Care<br /> I prefer not to have an episiotomy and would rather tear unless an episiotomy is medically necessary.<br /> To help my perineum stretch, please help guide my pushing efforts by letting me know when to push and when to stop.<br /> Please administer local anesthesia when repairing any episiotomy or tear(s).</p> <p>Delivery<br /> I would like to have a mirror available and adjusted so I can see the babies' heads crowning and to have the opportunity to touch the babies' heads as they crown.<br /> I would like the freedom to push and deliver in any position I like, if it is safe for the babies and myself.</p> <p>Immediately after the birth<br /> Please place the babies on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.<br /> My husband, Patrick would like the option to cut the cords.<br /> Please show me the placenta after it is delivered.<br /> Please remove my IV as soon as it is safe to do so after delivery.</p> <p>Newborn Care<br /> I would like to hold the babies skin-to-skin during the first hours to help regulate baby's body temperature, unless it is medically contraindicated.<br /> I would like to hold the babies through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.<br /> If the babies must go to the nursery or NICU for evaluation or medical treatment, my husband Patrick will accompany the babies at all times.<br /> Please notify me of any procedures or medications to be administered to my sons prior to their administration.</p> <p>Postpartum Care<br /> I would prefer not to be catheterized until I've had some private time to attempt urination on my own.<br /> I would like the babies in the nursery at night, but brought to me for breastfeeding on demand.<br /> I would like to limit visitors for the first hour or so after birth, if possible, to allow for bonding and quiet time for my babies, myself, and my husband.</p> <p>Breastfeeding<br /> I plan to breastfeed and want to nurse immediately following the birth.<br /> Please do not give the babies supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water) without my consent, unless there is an urgent medical necessity.<br /> I would like to know more about breastfeeding and meet with the lactation consultant.</p> <p>Additional notes<br /> I am planning to have the babies circumcised. Please discuss this with my husband and myself before the procedure is performed.</p> <p>**Edited to reflect changes suggested! Thanks! :) ** </p>